Blog note: And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11). Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. This verse from Luke is one of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

Heavy rain falling over Saudi Arabia over the past two weeks have caused widespread flash flooding and left at least 14 people dead. Up to 300 people had to be rescued. This year has seen some of the most extreme weather conditions in decades, authorities said October 30, 2018.

At least 14 people were killed, they said, adding that the Command and Guidance Center in Riyadh received 423 requests for help since October 19 as the heavy rain affected 13 areas of the Kingdom, the Arab News reports.

Civil Defense forces rescued 299 stranded people, including 115 in Makkah. Most of those needing help were trapped in their vehicles, of which 88 people were evacuated and 282 cars were towed.

In Abha city, the capital city of Aseer Province near the Red Sea, flash floods damaged roads and submerged cars, sending people on social media into a frenzy. Many of the blamed the city’s bad infrastructure.

Similar events took place in other parts of the country, unused to such severe weather conditions. Faisal Al-Subaie, undersecretary of the Ministry of Water, said Saudi Arabia usually witnesses thunderstorms ranging between medium and heavy during this time of the year, but this year the storms have been particularly severe.